Former St. Louis Cardinals general manager Joe McDonald dies at 97

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 11:00 AM

Last updated Sep 7, 2026

Former St. Louis Cardinals general manager Joe McDonald dies at 97
Summary

Joe McDonald, a long-serving baseball executive who played a key role in the St. Louis Cardinals’ 1982 World Series championship, has died at age 97. McDonald transitioned into the general manager role for the Cardinals just before the 1982 season, a move that allowed manager Whitey Herzog to focus exclusively on field operations. That organizational structure helped the team secure 92 wins and ultimately defeat the Milwaukee Brewers to win the title. His career spanned nearly eight decades in professional baseball, beginning as a teenager at Ebbets Field and including front office or scouting positions with the New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, California Angels, Colorado Rockies, and Boston Red Sox. Over the course of his extensive career, he earned six World Series rings. The news was shared by his son, a radio host in Philadelphia, following his death.

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By the Numbers
  • Joe McDonald served as general manager for the St. Louis Cardinals during their 1982 World Series victory.
  • His professional career in baseball lasted nearly 80 years, beginning as a teenager at Ebbets Field.
  • He held various roles with the New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, California Angels, Colorado Rockies, and Boston Red Sox.
  • McDonald retired from his final role in scouting at age 90 in 2019.
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  • 11:00 AMYahoo SportsCardinals World Series Champion Dies After Prolific Career
What they're saying
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A key figure from an iconic St. Louis Cardinals season and six-time World Series champion died after 57 years in baseball.

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